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Six alumni who played varsity sports in college and represent a variety of career fields returned to campus April 8 to share their insights with current students at an Athletes Alumni Panel sponsored by Career Services.
Jennifer Hoffman '01, who played field hockey and was a double major in International Affairs and history, is in her first year at Temple University School of Law. Thus far, she has learned about the judicial systems and become more familiar with the U.S. government. Time management is her greatest challenge, she says.
Mark Sessanta '98, who played football and was a double major in economics & business and art, has worked more than three years for MetLife. Interaction with people and being able to fulfill their dreams is the most rewarding part of his position, he says. Coordination of the company, the client, and himself is the most challenging aspect.
Raphael Chillious '96, who played basketball and majored in psychology, works as head men's basketball coach and middle school counselor at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Md., while pursuing a master's degree in physical education and coaching. Teaching, mentoring student athletes, and recruiting with integrity are the most challenging and rewarding parts of his position, he says.
Brian Winiarski '86, who played soccer and majored in history, is vice president of sales at Wingard Stationers, a division of Weeks Lerman Group, where he has been employed 14 years. He also is pursuing an MBA from Baruch College. Gaining new customers and satisfying and providing solutions to customers are the best aspects of his position, he says. Winning new accounts, keeping abreast of the competition, and managing staff are the challenges he encounters on a daily basis, adds Winiarski.
Dale McCreedy '78, who competed in tennis, volleyball, and swimming while earning a bachelor of science degree in biology and secondary education certification, is director of gender and family learning programs at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. She has a Ph.D. and has worked for 13 years at the Franklin Institute. The most rewarding parts of her job are the “exiting and diverse opportunities” that also encompass her passion for science, and making a difference in the lives of families. The need to be extremely flexible and resourceful is the main challenge of her position, says McCreedy. She found vast opportunities available outside traditional careers in science or education by networking, pursuing her interests, and taking risks, she adds.
Stephen Feldman '76, who competed in track and field and majored in chemical engineering, is senior process manager for the Electronics Specialty Gases Division of Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. He earned a master's in chemical engineering at Cornell University. Feldman has been employed at Air Products for 24 years. The most rewarding parts of his job are working with people toward a common purpose, training and mentoring other engineers, and teaching others how technologies and operations can be improved. The most challenging aspect is dealing with all levels of personnel to achieve operational excellence, he says. He found a diversity of opportunities available for chemical engineers to practice and refine their skills and apply them to a management setting, adds Feldman.